A New Mentoring and Advocacy-Networking Paradigm: Pairing Underrepresented Minority (URM) and Emeriti Engineering Faculty

• In Event: 18.031 - Faculty in STEM: Exploring Pedagogy and Service

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy of a new mentoring and advocacy-networking paradigm sponsored by the National Science Foundation (14-7680) under their call for Increasing Minority Presence within Academia through Continuous Training (IMPACT). The IMPACT project pairs underrepresented minority (URM) early career faculty with emeriti faculty for career mentorship. This study takes a qualitative approach, using phenomenological methods to analyze interview transcripts from IMPACT participants. Preliminary findings suggest mentees view this mentoring opportunity as a means for career progression and mentors see this as an opportunity to “give back” to a new generation of engineering faculty. At this early stage, the IMPACT project has the potential to enhance URM faculty career progression and emeriti faculty engagement.

Authors

• Sylvia L. Mendez, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

• Rebecca Keith, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

• Valerie Martin Conley, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

• Comas Haynes, Georgia Institute of Technology

• Rosario Gerhardt, Georgia Institute of Technology